3 000 patrollers from across the province to be utilised
Deployment will be from 4 to 6 May
The trusted ground force that is comprised of volunteer community patrollers has again been summoned to assist authorities with extra manpower. Community Policing Forums (CPF) across the province will be ensuring the smooth distribution of SASSA payments, due to commence on 4 May.
Even with the minuscule relaxation of the lockdown laws, the emphasis on social distancing is paramount. The CPF patrollers’ primary aim will be to guide grant recipients in maintaining the required spacing and follow other health guidelines. Just as they assisted last month, an extra 3 000 patrollers will be utilised in Gauteng during this time.
The patrollers themselves will also be subject to medical scrutiny. They will be required to wear masks at all times and undergo coronavirus screening. “Patrollers will be screened randomly over the period; however, it is important that patrollers who display any respiratory problems such as colds or flu must please stay at home,” advised Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board Executive public relations officer, Dr MR Patel.
SASSA grants for the elderly and disabled persons will be distributed on 4 and 5 May, and this will include child grants linked to these categories. All other SASSA grants will be paid on 6 May, with the special Covid-19 social relief of distress (SRD) grant being available from 15 May only. Members of the public are urged to leave their houses only when absolutely necessary in an effort to have the lockdown levels moved down as quickly as possible.
